By Nick Gale, WLS-AM 890 News
(CHICAGO) — Attorney General Lisa Madigan has issued an updated guide of benefits for Illinois veterans and their families in recognition of Veterans Day.
Madigan’s “Benefits for Illinois Veterans” guide was created by her Military and Veterans’ Rights Bureau to provide veterans and their families with information regarding federal and state veteran benefit laws. The updated version is available online at Madigan’s website.
“The people who served in the military have, along with their families, made tremendous sacrifices on behalf of our country, and they are entitled to benefits for their service,” Madigan said. “I encourage Illinois veterans and their families to review my updated guide to learn about programs and services available to them.”
The updated “Benefits for Illinois Veterans” guide provides new information including:
National Guard and Federal Reserves: Details about new procedures for members of the National Guard or one of the federal reserves to qualify for VA benefits
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Additional material about disability compensation for service-connected PTSD
Pre-Needs Determinations for Burial Benefits: Additional information explaining how veterans may be eligible for burial in a VA cemetery
Blue Water Veterans: New information related to potential Agent Orange exposure to veterans who served on open ships off the shore of Vietnam during the Vietnam War
Camp Lejeune and Contaminated Water: Expanded information detailing changes to the way the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) handles claims of service-related exposure to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, as well as VA healthcare available to Camp Lejeune veterans and Camp Lejeune family members
Ships List: A new “Ships List” has been added to the Appendix, which covers herbicide exposure (for example, Agent Orange) to Navy and Coast Guard ship based personnel; and
VSO Directories: Updated contact information for veterans service officers working in Illinois.
Madigan’s Military and Veterans’ Rights Bureau advocates for service members and veterans and investigates and pursues cases of fraud against members of the armed services. Military service members, veterans and their families can contact Madigan’s Military and Veterans Rights Hotline for help at 1-800-382-3000 or 1-800-964-3013 (TTY) or through Madigan’s website.
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